Tayside Police offer help to domestic abuse victims

Dec 1 2009 Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

TAYSIDE Police yesterday become the first Scottish Force to offer personal safety alarms to victims of domestic abuse.

The lightweight hi-tech device, which incorporates the latest Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, will help the emergency services to react quickly to people who are in danger and even assist in locating them wherever they are.

The GEMshield alarms are being rolled out in the Perth and Kinross area in collaboration with the Perth and Kinross Community Safety Partnership, Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women Forum and the provider of the service, Skyguard Ltd.

It is anticipated that the six-month pilot project will help protect those victims who are deemed to be at the highest risk of harm from domestic abuse.

While this is the first time that the devices have been made available to victims of domestic abuse in Scotland, the devices have been extensively used within England and Wales.

The launch coincides with the 16 Days of Action to End Violence Against Women – an international campaign running until December 10 aimed at raising awareness of gender-based violence as a human rights issue.

Commander of Perth and Kinross Division, Tayside Police, Chief Superintendent Craig Suttie said: ‘‘I am pleased that Tayside Police is involved in this initiative and I am confident that these devices will offer reassurance and reduce the fear experienced by victims of domestic abuse, particularly when they are not at their home address.’’

Karen McMillan, co-ordinator, Perth and Kinross Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women Forum, said: “It will provide much needed reassurance to women, increase women’s safety and, as part of the wider initiative, we would hope that it will eventually help to reduce levels of repeat victimisation.’’